Radford University’s most successful fundraising initiative in its history, the TOGETHER Campaign, has raised a total of $106,693,338, the university announced.
The university unveiled the final figure during a celebration event held Saturday night at the new Artis Center for Adaptive Innovation and Creativity.
Launched in 2017, the TOGETHER Campaign has had “a transformative impact on the university, funding scholarships, academic programs and critical campus initiatives” according to an announcement by the university. More than 18,000 donors, including a record number of first-time contributors, donated to the campaign, including alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends of the university.
“We are overwhelmed by the generosity and commitment of our Highlander community,” said Penny Helms White, Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations. “This campaign has not only exceeded our goals but also solidified Radford’s path toward future excellence and continued growth.”
“The success of the TOGETHER Campaign is an incredible expression of Highlander Pride, and a testament to the level of care that our alumni, friends and employees have for our students,” President Bret Danilowicz said. “This was an ambitious goal and a worthy cause – a campaign entirely focused on supporting student success. TOGETHER will enhance the Radford University experience for years to come and ensures that future generations of Highlanders will benefit from direct scholarship support.”
Through the TOGETHER Campaign, 178 new scholarships were created, bringing the total number of foundation and privately funded scholarships to 662 and representing a100% increase in the overall number of scholarships awarded during the lifetime of this campaign from 489 in FY17 to 986 in FY24. More than half of the donations, 51%, was in support of scholarships.
Nearly 56,000 gifts were made, including 99 new planned gifts totaling almost $33 million. More than 1,050 unique funds were supported by gifts from the campaign, which also produced 139 new endowments.
Employee donations came from 27% of the faculty and staff, which is above the national average. Every alumni class year since 1944 was represented by alumni giving, including one gift from the class of 1929 and representation came from across every U.S. state and the District of Columbia.
“This campaign’s impact will continue to be felt as these contributions enhance student experiences, provide new opportunities, and expand both academic and athletic programs,” the university announcement reads. “The new scholarships and endowments will particularly benefit students for generations, ensuring that Radford remains a vibrant hub of academic and athletic excellence.”
TOGETHER is the third fundraising campaign in the university’s 114-year history and is the largest amount of money raised in one.
“Focused on the student experience, rather than bricks and mortar, this campaign will have a positive influence on teaching, learning, innovation and discovery for years to come.”
The celebration capped off Homecoming Weekend at Radford University and included a fireworks display after the announcement.
Staff report
